QYLD vs SPY
Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QYLD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $8.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.90% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.16% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.30% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.90% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.00% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QYLD vs SPY Performance
Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QYLD returned +24.30% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, QYLD is up 11.16% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, QYLD compounded at +14.90% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.00% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.1% for QYLD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -30.7% for QYLD and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QYLD charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QYLD currently yields 11.90% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QYLD and SPY share 87 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QYLD or SPY?
QYLD has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QYLD or SPY?
Over the past year QYLD returned +24.30% vs +21.82% for SPY, so QYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QYLD annualized +2.89% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QYLD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.1% for QYLD. Worst drawdown: QYLD -30.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QYLD and SPY?
QYLD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QYLD and SPY?
QYLD and SPY share 87 common holdings with a 54.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QYLD or SPY?
QYLD yields 11.90% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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